KSU-Ashtabula grants 85 degrees

By SHELLEY TERRY - Staff Writer - sterry@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

May 10, 2008 02:34 am

— ASHTABULA — Accomplishments will come naturally from the talents, training and drive it took to become a Kent State University graduate, said Robert “Yank” Heisler, special assistant to the president of KSU at the Ashtabula Campus’ commencement ceremony on Friday. Happiness is a trickier proposition, he said, and offered some ideas on how to achieve it.
“The average person changes jobs or careers five to six times,” Heisler said during an evening ceremony in the campus gymnasium. He then went on to urge graduates to ask themselves from time to time, “Do I like what I’m doing? Do I like the people I work with on a daily basis?”
Heisler said finding joy in work that is a passion can lead to true happiness and fulfillment in a career. And, when the going gets tough, he told the graduates to remember: “You have what it takes to earn a college degree from Kent State.”
KSU-Ashtabula granted 85 degrees this year, 59 associate degrees, 25 bachelor degrees and one master of technology degree. Two students claimed dual degrees.
A crowd of families and friends filled the gymnasium, which was decorated with blue, gold and white flowers and ribbons. A musical prelude was performed by the Bridge Street Brass Quintet.
Dean Susan Stocker welcomed everyone, saying she shared the sense of pride the families felt for their graduates. She turned to the graduates, many of whom were non-traditional students and said, “I know many of you sacrificed to get this degree. You inspire (KSU faculty and staff) and we are very proud of you tonight. Congratulations!”
Rick Brewer, president of the Ashtabula Area College Committee, presented the academic achievement awards to graduates William E. Banyas, Dana E. Knight, Lorraine E. McLaughlin, Lawrence J. Ogren and Robert Strang.
L. George Distel of Conneaut was then presented with the Ashtabula Area College Committee’s Community Service Award, which recognizes the contribution and leadership the recipient has made in support of education in Ashtabula County. Distel, who served for five terms as a state representative, is now the executive director of the Ohio Turnpike Commission.
Richard Garcia, who spent his freshman year at KSU-Ashtabula, was the recipient of the Roger T. Beitler Distinguished Former Student Award. Garcia was the chief financial officer of Wastequip, Inc., and oversaw the growth of the business from $14 million to more than $600 million in a 15 year period. He’s now retired and spends time as the assistant men’s basketball coach at Notre Dame College.
“Life can never take away your memories,” he said. “I’m very proud to have gotten the start of my career at Kent State Ashtabula.”